Mehdi Hasan Turns the Tables on New York Post Reporter: ‘How Do You Feel About Taking Money from the Racist Rupert Murdoch?’ 

A New York Post reporter tried to corner Mehdi Hasan about funding sources for his media startup, Zeteo.

Hasan debated former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy on Saturday. During a Q&A session afterward, Post reporter Jon Levine asked Hasan about what, if any role, the Qatari government played in funding Zeteo.

“I’d like you to be able to dispel that you’re taking any money from Qatar by confirming that you’re not taking money for Zeteo [from] Qatar,” Levine said. “Is Qatar funding Zeteo – yes or no?”

“It’s a great question, Jon, because you work as a media correspondent for the New York Post,” Hasan replied.

Levine attempted to interrupt, but the microphone had already been taken away.

“I’m answering your question,” Hasan shot back. “Patience. We waited for you. You’re a media columnist for the New York Post, were you not?”

“I am a political reporter for the New York Post,” Levine responded after having gotten the microphone back.

“You were at one time a media columnist,” Hasan said. “You should read the Washington Post interview that I did literally when it was founded. And Jeremy Barr, an excellent reporter – slightly better one than you – he asked me, he asked me that question, and I said, ‘No, we haven’t taken any money from foreign governments or foreign citizens. Every investor in Zeteo is an American citizen. Has nothing to do with Qatar.’ So nice try, better luck next time.”

The largely Hasan-friendly crowd cheered for several seconds before he took a shot at Levine’s employer.

“By the way, since we’re all in the spirit of asking questions, how do you feel about taking money from the racist Rupert Murdoch every day?”

The crowd cheered again as the moderator asked for calm.

The Murdoch-led News Corp owns a slew of notable right-wing media properties, including the Post, the Wall Street Journal, and Fox News.

Watch above via Zeteo.